• Online shopping & marketplace scams steal $481,331 from West Aussies in 2024
• In-store shopping hours boosted in Perth for Christmas-New Year shopping period
• Further shopping hours approved for remaining 2025 public holidays

Christmas shoppers will enjoy 35 extra hours of in-store shopping in Perth this festive season, but they are also being warned about the increased risk of online scams.

According to new WA ScamNet figures, scammers have stolen $172,703 from 95 Western Australians in online shopping scams and $308,628 from 277 people through online Marketplaces, so far in 2024.

The main way people lost money on online marketplaces was to fake product listings, with scammers demanding payment upfront via bank transfer before disappearing. Victims were left without their money or the promised goods and some even reported being directed to collect items from false addresses.

Commissioner for Consumer Protection Trish Blake warned scammers were likely to intensify their efforts during the busy shopping season.

“Online marketplace scammers create fake profiles, or hack existing social media accounts, to try to deceive consumers out of their money, personal information and identification documents,” Ms Blake said.

“Maintaining a healthy scepticism when using these platforms can help keep you safe from scams. Look into the seller’s Marketplace activity and ratings, and do an internet search of their name and photos to see if they belong to someone else.”

When shopping elsewhere online, consumers should be alert to social media advertising and fake websites that may steal the identity of a well-known retailer or brand and offer items for sale at very low prices.

“They will do whatever it takes to gain your trust – from stealing the details and logos of a genuine business, to using AI ‘deepfake’ technology to impersonate celebrities,” said the Commissioner.

“Even though scam websites may look very professional, the payment method can be a giveaway. Stay away from websites that only accept payment via bank transfer or cryptocurrencies as it's nearly impossible to recover funds once sent.

“Instead, look for secure payment options like credit card or PayPal, which offer better protection and allow for chargebacks in case of issues.”

As the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales loom, online shoppers should also be mindful of safety when pursuing bargains.

“Our product safety team has flagged button batteries and toys for children under 36 months with small detachable parts as particularly risky products on online platforms,” Ms Blake said.

“If swallowed, button batteries can cause severe internal burns and small parts may pose a choking hazard – so we urge parents and carers to thoroughly inspect any toys carefully before handing them to young children.”

To make in-store Christmas shopping more convenient, the State Government has approved 35 extra trading hours for general retail shops in the Perth metropolitan area, beginning on Saturday, 7 December 2024. Sunday and public holiday trading has been extended an extra four hours a day, from 8am to 6pm (normally 11am to 5pm).

From 16 December to Christmas Eve inclusive, larger shops can choose to open one hour earlier from 7am until 9pm on weekdays.

Looking ahead to 2025, trading for each of the New Year’s Day, Australia Day, Labour Day, Easter Monday, WA Day and King’s Birthday public holidays will be extended by four hours, from 8am to 6pm.

There is more information on Western Australia’s retail trading hours’ laws on the Consumer Protection website.

Festive season trading

(Extended hours in bold)

Public holidays – 2025

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Media Contact: cpmedia@demirs.wa.gov.au